"You are enjoying ingredients the average deli guy won't even think of using... to make a sandwich most delicious." -- CitySearch.com

Gerard Darian Chef & Owner

Chef Gerard Darian oversees the sandwich, soup and salad arts at Birley Sandwiches at downtown San Francisco's Embarcadero Center.

He brings chef's technique and sensibility to his "sandwich cafe." After graduating in 1985 from the Culinary Institute of America, he spent time in Europe picking up skills and tastes at several restaurants in France, Spain and Italy. The result is new twists on local traditions and fresh seasonal ingredients. Last April he became owner of Birley Sandwiches.

"I am using my experience with local purveyors, bringing in the best cheeses, meats and other ingredients from around the Bay Area and the world, while still making a reasonably priced sandwich," says Gerard. "Birley's is exciting because it is an opportunity to blend contemporary ideas with the freshest ingredients."

No matter how far he's traveled or how much he learned, Gerard has never lost his passion for the seasonal cuisine of his native California. He has worked in some of the world's most exciting West Coast restaurants, including Spago, Fama, Mi Piace, Postrio and most recently as the executive chef at Bix. But what makes any chef an artist is his choice of ingredients. Gerard Darian brings this passion to each and every sandwich at Birley Sandwiches.